The Bihar Assembly passed two crucial pieces of legislation—the Wood-Based Industry Bill 2025 and the Bihar Cooperative Society (Amendment) Bill 2025—amid a walkout by opposition parties. The move marks a key step in the state government’s ongoing efforts to empower marginalised communities, particularly women and backward sections of society.
Bihar Cooperative Minister Prem Kumar, who introduced both bills, emphasised the government’s commitment to uplifting economically and socially weaker sections of society. He highlighted the state’s progress in empowering women, noting the success of initiatives such as the Jeevika Didi programme and self-help groups, which have significantly impacted rural communities. Minister Kumar also outlined plans to create a state-level financial institution aimed at providing tailored financial assistance to these groups.
In his speech, Kumar referred to the ideologies of Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay to underscore the government’s vision of a strengthened Panchayati Raj system, which he said would benefit women and disadvantaged groups. He pointed to Bihar’s pioneering efforts, such as the 50 percent reservation for women in Panchayati Raj bodies and 35 percent in various government jobs, as evidence of the government’s commitment to gender equity and social inclusion.
However, the debate in the Assembly took a contentious turn when CPIML member Mehboob Alam raised objections to the Minister’s claims. Alam contested the Minister’s references to historical legislative actions, particularly his remarks on the women’s reservation bill passed by the Modi government in the Lok Sabha. Tensions escalated as Alam and other opposition members expressed dissatisfaction, eventually leading to a noisy walkout by the opposition parties.
Despite the walkout, the passing of these two bills reflects the government’s focus on building a more inclusive and economically diverse state. The Wood-Based Industry Bill is expected to stimulate local industries, creating job opportunities and promoting sustainable development in rural areas. Similarly, the Bihar Cooperative Society (Amendment) Bill aims to streamline cooperative operations, making them more efficient and accessible to the people in need.
The passing of these legislative measures comes at a time when Bihar is pushing for more robust economic growth, backed by social justice initiatives. While the opposition may dispute some claims made by the government, the implementation of these laws signals a clear intent to tackle inequality and foster greater financial autonomy for disadvantaged communities in the state.
These steps towards a more inclusive economy, however, will need to be closely monitored for their impact on the ground. As Bihar continues its journey towards development, the government’s emphasis on social welfare and women’s empowerment remains a central theme in its policy agenda.
Bihar Assembly Passes Key Bills for Empowerment
